Minister Novka welcomed the participation of Prime Minister Barzani and his delegation at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, stressing the need to further develop the old relations between the two sides.

He pointed out that the energy sector in Kurdistan Region could be further developed and that Russia wishes that its energy companies contribute to this development.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked Mr. Novka for the warm reception and highlighted the historical ties between the two sides, which he said can be developed in various fields.

He explained the situation in Kurdistan Region, its current financial crisis, the war against ISIS and the issue of accommodating a large number of refugees and displaced persons, who fled ISIS repression and took refuge in Kurdistan Region.

He thanked the Russian government for its support and assistance for the Kurdistan Region in its fight against terrorism.

Prime Minister Barzani offered his government’s support to Russian companies that invest in energy and other sectors in the Kurdistan Region.

He said that despite the situation in the Kurdistan Region, Gazprom Naft continues its operations and that his government will provide the needed facilities in order to expand its activities in the Region.